places to backpack in the smokies?

“I am going to go backpacking in the great smokey mountain national park in a couple of weeks, and I still havent figured out where I am going to go yet. I am looking for a place that wont have to many other backpackers, a place that is atleast 4000ft, a trail that loops back to the beginning, and it has to be atleast 20 miles. What are the campsites on the trails like up there, can I set up a tent, or do I have to sleep in a shelter. Also are most of the trails, and campsites along the trail in the complete middle of the woods far away from anything, or are they accesible by roads, and are frequently visited by tourist(do only backpackers stay at the campsites on the trails?). The only other backpacking trip I have ever been on was at the very beginning of the appalachian trail in Georgia, so what im looking for is something like that, only higher elevation.”

“TownDawg, I believe this one is yours to field.”

“CSRA, hmmmm?

Lessee here. There are quite a few backcountry sites in the Smokies. Some are closer to the road than others, but I think the minimum distance is a couple or 3 miles. Some are in the middle of nowhere. There are hundreds of trail combinations depending on the loop you prefer. For scoping out things like that I highly recommend the Trails Illustrated map of the park. There's lots of great info on it.

Permits are required, but they're free. Some sites (and all shelters) require reservations.

Smokies Main Page

Store with backcountry map and 7.5 minute USGS quadrangles.

There might even be a Trails Illustrated map at American Wilderness Outfitters (AWOL) on Washington Road, *grin*.

The only other advice I can give right off the bat is to maybe not bite off too large a piece at first. :^)”

“Obviously you haven't looked at a map of the park yet. A good trail map of the park will answer almost all of your questions.

First off the AT is the most popular route in the park and the one of the only that stays above 4000. You will see the most hikers there but I would not call it crowded at all especially in Sept.

Car campers only stay in the developed campgrounds. All the other backcountry campsites are just that, backcountry and not accessible directly by road. Shelters only exist at higher elevations and there is only 16 in the whole park. All other 95 campsites are tent sites and are on or just off the trail. All sites have access to water and have bear hanging cables for food bags.

There are about 900 miles of trails in the park so it shouldn't be a big deal to make your own loop trip. I would just hike a section of the AT and loop back using other trails.

enjoy.”

“If you do a loop and just a small section on the AT you won't see many people. On the AT you will if you are looping in a area close to the roads.
I like the Cosby end not many people and views are great on top. Not many campsites up on the top. The AT is all shelters only. Good luck.
Barbara”

“Don't bring yer dog, 'cause they're not allowed on the trails. That's what keeps me from them'thar smokin' mtns.”

“If you go on the Cosby end of the park just make sure you have full coverage insurance on your car as it may not be there when your done hiking. even the handbook tells you to be sure to park AT the ranger offices on that end or be aware that chop shops work hard on that end. If you have not done much in the Smokies I would recomend starting at Newfound Gap and spend a night at Icewater springs Shelter then the next day hike out to Charles Bunion. from there you could go in several directions of your choice, up to Mt Lacont(which wont have a lot of people now tourist season has come to a complete hault here now this year) or go down to Kephart Prong shelter that one is low but very pretty. neither of these are loops, however hiching a ride back to your car is deffinatly not a problem at all with a backpack on. when are you going ? anouther good hike is Gregorys bald in Cades cove . Bill and I are going on that one the 12th and 13th i think if anyone wants to join us.Rainbow springs trail is also very beautiful. if you need any more help just email me at whitebird6@yahoo.com i live local right outside the park if you need a ride or further info”

“ya.. this one is easy for me.. know the smokies pretty well.. done every major trail in there.

email me if you are still stumped.”

“MOM has a good plan. But if you want to do the I-40 side of the park look at a loop from the rangers station just off I-40 and around by Mt. Sterling. It is easy go get to and a good high elevation hike. Be sure to make reservations in advance.”

“MOM
Looks like I am going to miss you guys by a day. I am doing the Gregory Bald on the 14th and 15th. I am coming from the Twenty Mile side. If I make good time on my first hike maybe I can speed up by a day.”

“Hey Flatlander, I just did Gregory via Twentymile and back by Wolf Ridge in early July. If you want any detailed info email me at leadmule@humanpackmule.com.”

“Flatlander, If you want company we can wait a day if not thats ok too. Its up to you we would be going in at cades cove, i think. Ill pull out the map.”

“MOM
I would certainly like some company. I haven't gotten a chance to meet any TTers yet. Would love to meet you guys since your coming to Florida on your big hike.
However, My schedule is up in the air right now. I have several work issues and some health issues in the family. I might have to drop and run home at any time. Kind of hate to commit and leave someone waiting for me in the woods.
If all goes well I will be at CS95,Sheep Pen gap on the 15th. As we say in the south "If the good lord's willing and the creek don't rise" just maybe I will get to meet my first TTer.”

“That should read Campsite 13, not 95. On the above post.”